Introduction

This chapter serves to show where some of the current challenges are, it is now important both to demonstrate how the services have evolved and also how care for children in the United Kingdom compares with that of other European countries. For contemporary children and young people, one of the newest and biggest challenges is that of choice. This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book proposes a four-tier pyramid, where help gradually becomes more intensive. It then examines a wide range of government initiatives, following the Second World War – most of which have attempted to address some of the shortfalls analysed. There are interesting parallels to be drawn between the difficulties experienced by mental health services for children and young people and what has happened to youth justice services in the UK.